FTW!
Peter Shamshiri's Blog Post FTW!
Once again, the weekly newsletter Dense Discovery delivers the goods. One of the links in today’s newsletter is to a blog post by Peter Shamshiri called Rich Guy Quote Journalism. The gist of the argument is that journalists often quote wealthy people and think it’s newsworthy, because the quote comes from someone with money. Of course, the thoughts of wealthy people are not more newsworthy than the thoughts of anyone else! Nevertheless, we live in a culture that worships wealth, so here we are.
Read the blog post.
Libby's Magazine Rack FTW!
I realize I a late to the party on this app, but I’ve got to give Libby a shout out. I always knew the app was out there but I never really explored what was available. I haven’t tried renting or reading a book through the app yet, but the magazine options are phenomenal. And all for free!
Below is my ‘magazine rack.’ I’ve paid for some of these subscription in the past, but why spend the money when I can read ‘em for free on my iPad. I’m confident that annual subscriptions to all these periodicals would set me back at least a few hundred dollars. I also love that I can zoom in on the pages. Oh, and the automatically update on their own and you can browse older editions. And did I mention it’s free?
The only drawback I’ve encountered is not being able to do the crossword at the back The Week. There puzzle is my favorite because it contains current event clues and is just the right level of difficulty for me. You win some, you lose some, eh?
Insight Timer FTW, My Choice for a Meditation App
There are several meditation apps on the market that are quite popular. These include Headspace, Calm, and Sam Harris' excellent app Waking Up. Calm was the first such app that I ever tried and I have dabbled with a subscription Waking Up because I dig Sam Harris' podcast and paying for the app provides full access to his enlightening long form interviews.
However, the app I have been using for a decade for meditation is Insight Timer. I do not and have never paid for a subscription because the free version does all that I need. Specifically, I want something simple, with options about start/start sounds, and a decdent choice of ambient sounds I can play while meditating when I’m in the mood. Another important feature I love about Insight Timer is their tracking system. They used colored stars and I love it because a) I like tracking things and b) I love that if gamifies the habit. Despite my age, I’m a sucker for good gamification.
While I’m the first to admit the negative aspects of modern technology, and phones in particular, I love that my phone has helped me build an important personal habit. My meditation sessions are not very long (I have averaged about 10 minutes a day over the past ten years), but I have managed to meditate most days over the past 12 years or so. The habit is important to me personally and has definitely helped with both my mental and physical health.
Daily Smoothie FTW!
Like most people, there are some daily habits I struggle with. However, making a healthy smoothie every day is not one of them. I’ve been tracking this and it is safe to say I’ve had a smoothie most days for about the past 15 years.
Here is the usual ingredients of my daily concoction:
- 6 ounces of organic carrot turmeric juice
- 6 ounces of filtered water
- 1 organic banana
- 1 large handful of organic leafy greens
- Approximately 100 grams of organic wild frozen blueberries (Trader Joes, natch)
- Approximately 40 grams of organic frozen broccoli tops (also TJs)
- 1 packet of AG1 green powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic ground flax seed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic hemp protein powder (Anthony’s Organics)
- 6 grams of creatine
- Either 1 tablespoon of organic peanut butter OR 1 raw organic garlic clove
I assume most people would think this tastes disgusting. I know my daughter does. I love it.
The exact ingredients have evolved over the years a bit, but this recipe has been locked in for at least 4 years at this point.
I almost always have it between 4:15 and 6:15 pm. Dinner is separate. I try to be done with any food by 7 every night and don’t break my fast the next day till roughly 11:30, depending on what day it is and when I can start my lunch at work.
Bottoms up!
Recent Book Haul FTW!
The world is going crazy so I decided to indulge in some book buying. The pile is from a trip to Powell’s, a mecca for Portland book lovers. Six of the eight were used and heavily discounted. The two in the second picture were newer books I got online and are newer releases. All in all, a satisfying haul.
Here is a link to a review of Beckert’s book on capitalism.
Here is a link to a short review of the great Bertrand Russell’s book.
Finally, here is a link to a review of the Sherman biography.
